Police determine suspicious package at post office was safe, not bomb

By Matthew Boyle | mboyle@flagler.edu

THIS STORY WAS PUBLISHED ON FRIDAY, FEB. 12.

UPDATE: 8:06 p.m.Though the student center will reopen, Bugg’s Bistro will remain closed for the rest of the night.

UPDATE: 7:44 p.m.Commander Barry Fox of the SAPD confirmed that the suspicious package was not a bomb. Fox said St. John’s County Sheriff bomb squad specialists used two water charges, which were the loud noises, to see what was inside. The red suitcase contained clothing and personal effects, Fox said.

UPDATE: 7:34 p.m.Flagler College Security expects student center to reopen at approximately 8 p.m.

UPDATE: 7:18 p.m.SAPD have evacuated the student center.

UPDATE: 6:42 p.m.SAPD have blocked off parts of King Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard.

St. Augustine Police discovered a “suspicious” red ticking suitcase in the post office on Martin Luther King Boulevard.

Commander Barry Fox of the SAPD said the bomb squad was called out shortly after the suitcase’s discovery at 4:40 p.m.

He said there is no evidence of the package being a bomb nor were any threats made but the streets are blocked off and the SAPD is treating the suitcase as if it were a bomb.

Fox said evacuations of the surrounding community may be required if the suitcase is deemed a threat. The Flagler College campus would be affected.

Lauren Belcher and Cal Colgan contributed reporting to this story.